Stay in Verona, Vicenza or Padua???

We have stayed overnight in all three of those locations on various trips. I wouldn't select Vicenza, just because it's smaller than the other two.

Otherwise, Verona is very nice with the Roman arena and Piazza Erbe and Piazza Bra with the evening passeggiata between the two. And, the Juliet balcony looks nice lit up at night vs. the daytime.

Padua might be cheaper for hotels. It has a nice area on both sides of the Piazza dei Signori & Piazza Erbe where tables show up in the evening to dine. The Prato della Valle is also a nice area to leisurely walk in the late afternoon, also.

I agree with Jean about not Vicenza. I would probably base in Verona, where there's plenty to do for three nights. You could do Padova as a stop over on your way to Venice. More efficient use of your time. There's a left luggage in Padova.

I haven't managed Verona yet but stayed in Padua and day-tripped to Vicenza in 2015. Of the two Padua is, and feels, larger. Its historic center seems to cover a lot more ground and needs more time to see (even aside from the Scrovegni Chapel), so I was happy to have based myself there. Vicenza's atmosphere is considerably more laid-back. A tourist looking for a change of pace from a place like Rome might really appreciate relaxation time in Vicenza, but for a three-day stay, I would prefer Padua.

I prefer Padova but I think Verona is more centrally located. Vicenza makes a nice daytrip (I spent three nights there, liked it very much, but not as much as Padova or Verona).

I'd choose Verona, as there are more things to do and Vicenza can be seen in less than a day.
Padova is good, but you can visit it on the way to Venice, or while in Venice more efficiently.

While in Vicenza for lunch make sure you taste the delicacy Vicenza is famous for: gatto alla vicentina

I've been to both Padua and Verona. I liked them both but Verona just had a better feel to it for me and ever since I've visited I've wanted to go back and spend a few days.

Another vote for using Verona as your base. While it's most efficient to stop in Padova on your way to Venice, you could also combine Padova and Vicenza as one day trip. Go to Padova, and stop in Vicenza on the way back. If you plan cafefully, your regional train ticket back to Verona would allow you to stop in Vicenza for a couple of hours without the ticket expiring (good for 4 hours from time of validation). This wouldn't work with a Freccia ticket.

Love Roberto's jokes about Vicenza. You have to read his other posts to appreciate them - never order rabbit in Vicenza as rumor has it the city has no stray cats.

We've stayed in both Verona and Padua and can recommend both.

Verona: Hotel Siena, Via Guglielmo Marconi, 41. It's located about a 10 minute walk from Piazza Bra. The room was neat and clean, the staff was great, and the breakfast was ample. Piazza Bra is a great place to people watch.

Padua: Hotel Verdi, Via Dondii dall'Orologio, 7, This place was clean, neat, in the old section, and very funky. The elevator is large enough for two people minus luggage and the elevator only has two sides. As you rise you can see two sides of the elevator shaft. The young receptionist lugged our luggage upstairs. I really liked this place and it's highly rated on Tripadvisor. In the warm weather the old section is awesome-the piazzas are filled with tables and chairs from the restaurants and there is usually music. It's an outstanding place to people watch., especially Piazza die Signori. Gelatoria Grom serves outstanding gelato.

Buon viaggio,

You are wise to just use one home base as a lot of time is lost relocating. Your best bet, in my opinion, is using Verona as home base as you can do Vicenza as a quick day trip from there. Padova can seen on the way to Venice or as a day trip from there.

Verona for all the reasons stated previously. It's also just a 15 minute train ride to Peschiera del Garda if you want to include a lake experience.
Edit:
We stayed at Opera Relias de Charme.

I vote Verona! Spent 2 nights there. Could have spent 3. Was not crazy for Padua.

Thanks to everyone who responded to my post. We will definitely stay in Verona...and I really like the efficiency of visiting Padua on the way to Venice. Thanks also for the guidance on hotels. Ora, devo practicare il mio italiano cosi' posso annulla coniglio nei ristoranti Vicenzo!

Take a look at the Verona Card for a list of sights - and it's a good buy too. Don't miss the Arena - best (IMO) in the late afternoon sun.

I'm not sure when you're traveling, but if it's during Verona's opera season, book your hotel now before they're filled. The opera is in the Roman arena - very popular.